Hand Sanitizers Under Fire as Superbug Fighters

by Live Science Staff | April 21, 2011 10:51am ET

Hand washing with ordinary soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs. But when you're on the go, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are tremendously effective in preventing the spread of the seasonal flu, H1N1, colds and other viral- and bacterial-based diseases. ImageCredit: stockxpert

Sometimes a hand sanitizer will reach too far in its claims. Four companies that say their products, including hand sanitizers, can prevent infection from the superbug MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, have been issued warning letters by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency announced today (April 20).

Since the products, which are all nonprescription, claim to prevent disease, they are classified as drugs, which are within the purview of the FDA. The agency said it does not have sufficient evidence that these particular products are safe and effective for these purposes.

Some of the products also advertise that they preventinfection from E.coli and the H1N1 flu virus. But there is not sufficient proof the combination of ingredients in the products, which include plant oils, the chemical benzethonium chloride, and the antimicrobial agent triclosan can actually impede infection from these diseases. The FDA is still evaluating whether triclosan can be used as an antimicrobial.

The warning letters explain the companies are marketing these products in violation of federal law.

"MRSA is a serious public health threat. The FDA cannot allow companies to mislead consumers by making unproven prevention claims," said Deborah Autor, director of the office of compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The four companies have 15 days to correct the violations cited in the warning letters. Failure to do so may result in legal action, including seizure and injunction, the FDA said.

The FDA encouraged health care professionals and patients to report any adverse events or side effects from these products to the agency's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Pass it on: Companies that claim their products prevent MRSA have insufficient evidence for their advertisements, the FDA says.

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